Across the East River, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, lies WNYC Transmitter Park. This 6.61-acre green oasis in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, whispers stories of a bygone era. WNYC Transmitter Park wasn’t always a place of tranquility. It once pulsed with the energy of radio waves, broadcasting the “voice of New York City” across the airwaves.
WNYC, New York City’s public radio station, acquired this land in 1935. They needed a new home for their powerful AM transmitter. From 1937 to 1990, two towering antennas, Greenpoint’s own “Eiffel Towers,” stood here. They sent out news, music, and stories from the Art Deco transmitter house. You can still see this small building in the park today, a silent witness to decades of broadcasts. Imagine the historic moments that emanated from this spot. The first radio announcement of the Pearl Harbor attack, Mayor La Guardia’s voice dedicating the station, and countless other broadcasts filled the air.
Before radio waves, this waterfront location was a bustling ferry terminal. Starting in the 1850s, ferries carried passengers across the East River to Manhattan. The park’s pedestrian bridge now arches over the excavated remnants of this old ferry slip. The rise of bridges and tunnels eventually made the ferry obsolete. The site, surrounded by low-rise buildings that wouldn’t interfere with radio transmissions, became the perfect spot for WNYC’s new transmitter. Construction began in 1935 with support from the Works Progress Administration. Within two years, the new transmitter was operational.
Today, WNYC Transmitter Park offers more than just historical echoes. A vibrant playground, a nautically themed children’s play area, and lush gardens invite visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning views. Look for the large mural by the artist FAILE. It depicts a girl with flowers, adding a touch of modern art to this historic setting. WNYC Transmitter Park has been transformed. From a vital hub for radio broadcasting to a peaceful waterfront park, it stands as a testament to Greenpoint’s ever-evolving story.